Hopscotch Play Guides

About

Summary: Grant navigates his feelings of hurt after friends joke about his glasses, learning to communicate his boundaries and reaffirm friendships.

Synopsis: During a playful day of kite flying, Grant, Francis, and Rowan engage in light-hearted teasing that takes an uncomfortable turn for Grant when jokes about his glasses make him feel self-conscious. After initially deciding to avoid his friends, Grant's conversation with his dad helps him realize the importance of expressing his feelings. A candid discussion with Francis leads to mutual understanding and respect, reinforcing their friendship.

Themes:  The story addresses themes of friendship, communication, sensitivity, and self-awareness. It explores the impact of seemingly harmless jokes on individuals' feelings and underscores the importance of setting personal boundaries. Additionally, it highlights the value of open communication in resolving misunderstandings and strengthening relationships.

Using The Joke in Session

Therapists can use "The Joke" to help children understand the importance of expressing when they feel hurt and how to establish personal boundaries. Role-playing can help children practice how to communicate their feelings and requests respectfully. Discussing the story can also facilitate a deeper understanding of how actions, even unintended, can affect others and the importance of empathy in friendships.

Discussion Questions:
    1. How did Grant feel about the jokes about his glasses?
    2. What made Grant decide to talk about his feelings with Francis?
    3. How did Grant's dad help him handle his feelings?
    4. Why is it important to let friends know when something bothers you?
    5. How can you handle a situation if a friend's joke makes you uncomfortable?
    6. What are some ways to be a supportive and understanding friend?
    7. How did Grant and Francis resolve their misunderstanding?
    8. What does this story teach us about the impact of our words on others?

About

Summary: Leila encourages children to become brave Food Explorers by trying new foods with a positive mindset.

Synopsis: "Being a Food Explorer" addresses common anxieties children have about trying new foods. By framing the experience as an adventure, Leila encourages bravery and curiosity. The story outlines different food textures and flavors, suggesting that each food is a new adventure. It offers reassurance that it's normal to not like every food and promotes a positive mindset through supportive statements and deep breathing exercises. The involvement of family and friends is highlighted to make the experience more enjoyable.

Themes:  The story emphasizes courage and exploration, encouraging children to see trying new foods as an exciting journey just like Leila does. Positive thinking is promoted, with suggestions for managing anxiety through deep breathing and optimistic thoughts. Support and togetherness are crucial, highlighting the role of family and friends in making the experience more fun. Acceptance and flexibility are also key themes, reassuring children that it's okay not to like every food and encouraging them to try foods multiple times.

Using Being a Food Explorer in Session

Therapists can use "Being a Food Explorer" to help children manage food-related anxieties. By discussing Leila's guide, therapists can explore children's feelings about trying new foods and use role-playing to reinforce positive behaviors. Activities like journaling and family taste tests can be integrated into therapy sessions to provide hands-on experience. This approach helps children build confidence and develop a healthy, adventurous relationship with food.

Discussion Questions:
1. How do you feel when you try new foods?
2. What can you do to make trying new foods more fun?
3. Why is it okay to not like every food you try?
4. How can family and friends help you be a Food Explorer like Leila?
5. Can you think of a time when you tried a new food and liked it?
6. What do you imagine when you think about being a Food Explorer?
7. How does Leila’s story make you feel about trying new foods?
8. What are some foods you are excited to try as a Food Explorer?

Related Resources:
In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find a PDF called I'm a Food Explorer that allows kids to journal their experiences trying new foods!

About

Summary: Morgan transforms a potentially boring summer into an exciting and creative adventure, discovering joy in art, play, and friendship.

Synopsis: Morgan initially feels down about spending summer break at home instead of being at a camp or beach. Determined to make the most of her time, she devises a plan to fill her days with fun activities. She immerses herself in creative projects, enjoys imaginative play with her little brother, engages in calming activities like reading and walking, and stays connected with friends through calls and playdates. By taking charge of her summer, Morgan turns it into a marvelous and fulfilling experience.

Themes:  The story emphasizes themes of creativity, initiative, family bonding, and the importance of staying connected with friends. It highlights how a positive attitude and proactive approach can transform a seemingly dull situation into a memorable adventure.

Using Morgan's Marvelous Summer in Session

Therapists can use "Morgan’s Marvelous Summer" to help children explore ways to cope with feelings of boredom and isolation. Discussing the story can encourage kids to brainstorm their own creative solutions for staying engaged and happy during breaks or times of uncertainty. It can also reinforce the value of family relationships and maintaining social connections.

Discussion Questions:
    1. How did Morgan feel at the beginning of her summer break?
    2. What steps did Morgan take to make her summer more enjoyable?
    3. How did involving her little brothers enhance Morgan's summer experience?
    4. Why is it important to stay connected with friends, even during breaks?
    5. What are some activities you enjoy that could make a long break more fun?
    6. How can you use your creativity to turn a boring day into an exciting one?
    7. What did Morgan learn about herself by the end of her summer break?
    8. How can this story inspire you to make the most of your free time?

Related Resources
In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find the My Marvelous Summer PDF which encourages kids to write down summer goals including Things I want to do, Places I want to go, People I want to see, and Things I want to learn or try.

About

Description: Our Guided Meditations collection offers a series of calming and focused meditation sessions tailored for children. The library currently includes meditations focused on self-esteem, sleep, a body scan, and emotional regulation. These guided meditations help reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance emotional regulation. By leading children through mindfulness practices and visualization techniques, these sessions promote relaxation and mental clarity, contributing to overall emotional well-being.

Using Guided Meditations in Session

Therapists can effectively incorporate guided meditations into therapy sessions to support children's mental health. Start by ensuring the child is comfortable, either sitting or lying down, in a quiet, distraction-free environment. You can use soft cushions or blankets to create a cozy atmosphere. Begin with a brief introduction to the meditation, explaining its purpose and what the child can expect.

Play the guided meditation, encouraging the child to focus on the voice and visualizations. After the session, discuss their experience and feelings, reinforcing the positive effects of mindfulness and relaxation. Adjust the environment and session length based on the child's needs and preferences to ensure a supportive and effective intervention.

About

Summary: Sammie learns to cope with not being a starter on her basketball team, discovering the value of being a supportive teammate.

Synopsis: Sammie, excited about her basketball team's first game, is hopeful to be named a starter but is disappointed when she isn't chosen. Despite her initial sadness, she learns from her coach that being a great player isn't just about starting; it's also about supporting the team in any role. Through encouragement from her coach and friends, Sammie embraces her role, contributes significantly in a crucial game, and realizes the importance of teamwork and positivity, whether on the bench or on the court.

Themes:  The story explores themes of resilience, teamwork, and self-worth beyond personal achievements. It emphasizes the importance of every team member, regardless of their role, and highlights how attitude can influence personal growth and team dynamics. Sammie's journey reflects on dealing with disappointment and finding fulfillment in supporting others, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Using Benchwarmer in Session

Therapists can use "Benchwarmer" to help children deal with disappointment and find value in roles they initially may not appreciate. Discussing Sammie's feelings and her transformation can help children understand that their worth isn't tied to being in the spotlight. Role-playing can be used to practice responding to similar disappointments constructively. Therapists can also encourage children to explore and acknowledge the importance of different roles within a team, enhancing their empathy and appreciation for diverse contributions.

Discussion Questions:
    1. How did Sammie feel when she wasn't chosen as a starter, and why?
    2. What changed Sammie's perspective about being a starter?
    3. How can being supportive help you and your team?
    4. What does this story teach us about dealing with disappointment?
    5. How can you apply Sammie's experience to your own life or activities?
    6. Why is it important to recognize and value everyone's role in a team?
    7. What are some ways you can support your friends or teammates, even when you're not in the lead?
    8. How did Sammie's attitude towards her role affect her performance and her team's spirit?

About

Summary: Sammie shares effective strategies for managing anger in a healthy way.

Synopsis: Sammie explains that feeling angry is normal and offers ways to cool down when it happens. Techniques include taking deep breaths, counting to ten, and using words to express feelings. She emphasizes three important rules: don’t hurt yourself, don’t hurt others, and don’t break anything. Visualizing a "STOP" sign can remind her to pause and think. Engaging in enjoyable activities and talking to a trusted grown-up are also helpful strategies. Sammie highlights the importance of choosing positive ways to cope with anger, leading to feelings of pride and happiness.

Themes:  The story focuses on themes of emotional regulation, communication, and healthy coping mechanisms. It teaches children the importance of recognizing their anger, using calming techniques, and expressing their feelings appropriately. The narrative promotes self-control, empathy, and the value of seeking support from trusted adults.

Using When I Feel Angry in Session

Therapists can use "When I Feel Angry" to help children understand and manage their anger. Discussing Sammie’s techniques can teach children practical strategies for calming down and expressing their emotions. Role-playing different scenarios can help children practice these techniques in a safe environment. The story also provides a basis for discussing the importance of self-control and the impact of anger on oneself and others.

Discussion Questions:
    1. What are some signs that you are starting to feel angry?
    2. How can taking deep breaths help you calm down when you're angry?
    3. Why is it helpful to count to ten when you feel angry?
    4. How can using words to express your anger make a difference?
    5. What are the three rules Sammie follows when she feels angry?
    6. How can visualizing a "STOP" sign help you manage your anger?
    7. What activities do you enjoy that can help you feel better when you're angry?
    8. Why is it important to talk to a trusted grown-up about your feelings?